Aspiring photographers in Chester are being invited to take a shot at a new competition which aims to capture the essence of life in the city centre.

Launched by the city’s Business Improvement District CH1ChesterBID in partnership with Camera Solutions on Frodsham Street, the Chester Street Life competition encourages amateur photographers to submit their best snaps of modern-day life in Chester.

Julie Charlton, marketing manager at CH1ChesterBID, said: “This competition is all about showing life in Chester from amazing new angles and perspectives.

“We’ve got one of the most picturesque city centres in the world and it’s the perfect backdrop for everything from a family day out to a romantic meal, a coffee with a friend or a full day of retail therapy.

“Life goes by all around us and we rarely get the chance to stop and appreciate it, so we want this competition to help us capture those amazing moments that take place every day on the streets of Chester.”

A panel of judges including renowned photographer and journalist Damien Demolder will decide on the best picture, with the winner receiving a professional camera and equipment worth more than £1,000.

Mark Tilling, manager at Camera Solutions, added: “Having Damien on the panel is a real coup for the city and along with the other judges, he’ll be looking for a photograph that’s full of imagination, uses light effectively and really leaves a lasting impression.

“The competition is only open to amateur photographers and people can use any device they like to take their pictures, so we’re hoping to collect a really diverse mix of images.

“We’re really excited to see what Chester’s aspiring photographers come up with.”

All pictures must depict life and or activity in Chester city centre or its immediate vicinity and entries can be submitted up until midnight on May 15 via here.

The competition is open to all age groups and the winner will receive a Panasonic Lumix GX8 (Silver) Camera complete with 15mm f1.7 Leica DG Summilux Lens worth almost £1,100.